Come back: meaning, definitions and examples

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come back

 

[ kʌm bæk ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

return

To come back means to return to a place or situation that you were in before.

Synonyms

go back, return, return to, revisit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
come back

Used when referring to someone returning to the place they are currently at or previously mentioned. It often implies a sense of familiarity or a shorter duration since the last departure.

  • He had to come back home to get his forgotten wallet
  • Will you come back for dinner?
return

A more formal term used when referring to someone coming back to a place they have been before. It can be used in both casual and formal situations, but it often sounds more polished.

  • The travelers are set to return tomorrow
  • She will return the book she borrowed next week
go back

Used when referring to someone returning to a place they were before, but emphasizes the action of moving to that place rather than returning to where the speaker is. It often implies a sense of leaving for a while or returning to a previous state or condition.

  • She decided to go back to school to finish her degree
  • He will go back to work after lunch
revisit

Implies going back to a place, topic, or memory for review, examination, or consideration. It suggests a thoughtful or deliberate action, rather than simply coming back.

  • She wanted to revisit the places she loved as a child
  • They decided to revisit the project idea to consider new options
return to

Specifically used to mention going back to a particular activity, state, or place previously occupied. It is often used in formal contexts and written communication.

  • After a short break, he returned to his studies
  • The family planned to return to their hometown for the holidays

Examples of usage

  • He promised to come back and visit us soon.
  • I'll come back to finish the job later.
  • She came back to the same spot every year.
  • They decided to come back home after their trip.
  • We need to come back to this issue later.
Context #2 | Noun

response

A come back is a quick and witty response to a comment or insult.

Synonyms

comeback, reply, response, retort.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
come back

Use 'come back' when someone physically returns to a place or potentially returns to a former state or condition.

  • She will come back from her vacation next week.
  • I hope you come back to visit us soon.
retort

This word is used for a sharp, quick, or witty reply, often in response to criticism or insult. It typically has a negative or defensive connotation.

  • She had a quick retort to his sarcastic comment.
  • His retort silenced the room.
response

This word is used when referring to an answer or reaction to a question, statement, or situation. It can be used formally or informally.

  • The company's response to the crisis was swift.
  • His response to the joke was laughter.
reply

This word is used for verbally or written responding to a question, statement, or situation. It is neutral and generally used in formal contexts.

  • I need to reply to his email today.
  • She replied quickly to the interviewer's question.
comeback

This word is used when referring to a return to a former position or condition, especially after a period of inactivity or difficulty. It can also be used for witty or sharp replies.

  • After years of being absent, she made a successful comeback in the music industry.
  • That was a clever comeback to his insult.

Examples of usage

  • She always has a clever come back to his jokes.
  • His come back silenced the room.
  • The comedian's come back had the audience laughing.
  • I wasn't expecting such a good come back from her.

Translations

Translations of the word "come back" in other languages:

🇵🇹 voltar

🇮🇳 वापस आना

🇩🇪 zurückkommen

🇮🇩 kembali

🇺🇦 повертатися

🇵🇱 wracać

🇯🇵 戻る

🇫🇷 revenir

🇪🇸 volver

🇹🇷 geri dönmek

🇰🇷 돌아오다

🇸🇦 يعود

🇨🇿 vrátit se

🇸🇰 vrátiť sa

🇨🇳 回来

🇸🇮 vrniti se

🇮🇸 koma aftur

🇰🇿 қайту

🇬🇪 დაბრუნება

🇦🇿 qayıtmaq

🇲🇽 volver

Etymology

The term 'come back' originated in the 15th century, combining 'come' meaning 'move or travel towards' and 'back' referring to a return to a previous position or condition. Over time, it has evolved to encompass both physical return and verbal response, becoming a versatile phrase in everyday language.